• 300 gr. beef brisket, cut into 2 cm cube
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 kaffir's lime leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 2 cm galangal (laos), bruised
• salt and pepper to taste
• 6 glasses of water (1.5 liters)
• 2 Tbs. vegetable oil

Spice Paste Ingredients:

• 4 small shallots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 candlenuts
• 3 kluwek, take out the nut meat only
• 2 red chilies

Garnish:

• 100 gr. short beansprouts
• Basil leaves

• Heat 2 Tbs. oil and stir-fry the spice paste for a minute or two.
• Add bay leaves, kaffir's lime leaves, galangal, lemongrass, salt and pepper.  Stir-fry until fragrant.
• Add the beef cubes and stir fry for a minute.
• Meanwhile, heat water in a large pot and add the stir-fried beef cubes and cook on low heat until the meat is tender and flavor of the spices have been absorbed.
• If the water level dropped too much, add hot water.

• Serve with beansprouts and basil

Makes 3-4 servings.